porcelain vs ceramic tile in the shower: which is better?

by clé tile | published: Feb 12, 2024

Closeup of white shower with a glazed ceramic subway tile wall in a herringbone pattern and a copper showerhead.

ceramic subway tile in white

porcelain and ceramic are two tile materials that reign supreme in the shower space. both are reliably durable, offer much-needed water resistance, and come in a variety of styles, too. but is one better than the other, especially for shower walls and floors?

we’re diving into your porcelain and ceramic tile questions ahead, including how the two tile types differ and tips on deciding which is the best option for your project.

porcelain vs ceramic tile for the shower

if you’ve already spent time researching porcelain and ceramic tile for your shower, you may already know that porcelain is a type of ceramic tile. porcelain is made from finer, denser clay than ceramic tile is. it’s also fired in the kiln for longer at higher temperatures, making it even more durable than ceramic tile. still, ceramic remains a wonderfully versatile addition to the shower area, especially shower walls.

here’s what you should know about porcelain and ceramic tile for the shower specifically, from durability and aesthetic appeal to maintenance and longevity.

durability and strength

when it comes to durability and strength, porcelain tile has an edge over ceramic tile. thanks to how it’s made, porcelain tile offers even more chip and crack resistance than ceramic tile does, and it holds up to wear and tear beautifully. that’s why porcelain tile is such an ideal choice for the shower floor.

that’s not to say ceramic tile isn’t durable or strong—it is both, in fact. ceramic tile is an especially great option for the shower wall, where durability is appreciated but not the most important factor.

Square mosaic sheet of white matte porcelain penny round tiles against a white background.

white matte porcelain penny rounds

Small mosaic sheet of black gloss porcelain penny round tiles against a white background.

black gloss porcelain penny rounds

water resistance and absorption

if you’re looking for a shower tile that offers exceptional water resistance, good news: porcelain and ceramic tile, when glazed, are both good choices. glazed tile has a liquid glass coating that is baked into the tile during the firing process. this adds an extra layer of protection against moisture, stains, and scratches.

it should be noted that porcelain tile, glazed or not, is more water resistant than ceramic tile. this is because it is made from finer clay and fired at higher temperatures, creating a higher density (also known as vitreous) tile with a low water absorption rate. our porcelain penny rounds, for example, are classified as impervious to water because they have a water absorption rate of less than 0.5%.

Four watermark collection porcelain tiles with green and gold dipped detail against a white background.

watermark dipped porcelain in gold verdigris

One rectangular matte light green porcelain tile against a white background.

watermark porcelain in kelly’s cove

aesthetic appeal

porcelain and ceramic tile both come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors, so they offer no shortage of aesthetic appeal. porcelain tile comes in classic staples like white and black penny rounds, plus unglazed and hand-dipped options like those in our watermark collection.

similarly, ceramic tile can take on a medley of looks, from classic white subway tile to hand-painted tile featuring floral motifs and arabesque patterns. you can even get creative with bold colors and uncommon shapes, like those in our fornace brioni + cristina celestino collection.

texture and finish options

one look at white tile is enough to prove that color isn’t the only way to get creative with porcelain or ceramic—you can play with texture and finish too. porcelain comes in both glazed and unglazed options, from smooth and glossy to raw and matte. (porcelain’s low porosity makes it especially practical and versatile, even without glaze.)

ceramic tile is more commonly glazed, but the options are vast here too. glazing can create both glossy and matte finishes. this means ceramic tiles can range from polished and luxe-looking to more textural.

weight and thickness

because porcelain tile is a denser than ceramic tile, it tends to be heavier in weight than ceramic tile. it is often slightly thicker, too, but not always. this means ceramic tile is sometimes the better choice for vertical installations like walls, where its lighter weight offers an advantage.

ultimately though, a tile’s weight and thickness depends on a number of factors, including material, size, glazing, how it’s made, and the intended use. let’s compare our porcelain penny rounds and ceramic subway tiles, for example. both are glazed tile options. our penny rounds are about ⅛ inch (or 3 mm) thick, while our larger ceramic subway tiles are about ¼ inch (or just over 6 mm) thick.

maintenance and longevity

porcelain and ceramic tile are known for being relatively low maintenance, especially when glazed. this makes glazed porcelain and ceramic popular options for high-traffic and kid-friendly bathrooms. both are highly resistant to water, stains, and scratches on their own and do not need regular sealing (aside from the grout).

everyday maintenance for glazed porcelain and ceramic tile involves light scrubbing as needed with a gentle, ph neutral cleaner. with a little tlc every now and then, you can plan on enjoying both types of tile for many years. porcelain tile, in particular, is known for its long lifespan. your contractor and your tile’s material guidelines are great resources regarding how to extend the life of your tlie.

Bathroom shower area with glossy white ceramic subway tile on the wall, a white shower curtain, and a black and white tub.

ceramic basics 3x6 subway tile in white gloss

Four rectangular white matte ceramic subway tiles clustered together against a white background.

ceramic basics 3x6 subway tile in white matte

making the right choice for your shower

once you’ve weighed the pros and cons of porcelain and ceramic tile, you’ll probably wonder which tile is the best choice for your shower. the answer? it’s entirely up to you and your preferences (and the tile’s technical specs, of course).

looking at functional differences

again, be sure to consider the main differences between porcelain and ceramic tile. porcelain is a type of ceramic tile that’s made of finer clay and fired at high temperatures for longer, making it especially durable and resistant to water. this type of tile is often glazed, though it may be unglazed as well.

conversely, ceramic tile is made from less dense clay and kiln-fired at lower temperatures when compared to porcelain tile. this makes it generally lighter in weight, which as an advantage for wall installations. like porcelain, ceramic tile is often glazed, making it wonderfully easy to clean (and highly welcome in busy households).

considering your aesthetic preferences

your aesthetic preferences are also a factor here, and there may very well be both ceramic and porcelain tiles that suit your needs. if you’re looking for something clean and classic, a plain white tile like ceramic subway or porcelain penny rounds would look right at home in your space. if you want to go bold, there are many options for that too, from hand-painted blue and white ceramic tiles to matte black porcelain mosaic tiles.

finding your perfect match

our advice: gather inspiration that speaks to you, and zero in on your goals for your project. then, find the tile options you truly love, checking the technical specifications as you do so to ensure they meet your more functional goals.